Tsukasa was getting ready to stop working for the night. He was stacking the remaining paperwork on his desk when his cell phone rang. He assumed it was one of the F3, so he picked it up and answered, "What?"
"Is that any way to greet your father over the phone, Tsukasa?" asked Tsutomu on the other end of the line.
"Otousan, I didn't expect you to call," answered Tsukasa in surprise.
"I'm already here in Japan, Tsukasa. I'll be arriving in Tokyo soon. I dropped by in Okinawa to see an old friend of mine from school, Yazagawa Kentaro," explained Tsutomu.
"Oh," said Tsukasa. He would rather see his friends than his family anyway.
"I was having tea today with some very interesting people. Actors are always very interesting," said Tsutomu.
Tsukasa's brain was too tired to care nor to process the information. He knew that Yazagawa was an actor. He was born into an affluent family. He went to Eitoku and threw away his family fortune to become an actor. Part of Tsukasa admired Yazagawa, but another part of him thought he was just plain crazy. However, Yazagawa's gamble paid off because he was one of the most respected and well paid actors in all of Japan.
"I just wanted to tell you that we weren't the only ones who attended Eitoku in that tea. I met the most charming, young woman at the tea," said Tsutomu.
Tsukasa didn't like where this conversation was going. He didn't like it one bit. His parents along with the board of directors were concerned that he hadn't made any plans to marry. Rui did the same thing, but he got some slack because he was going for a doctrine in Economics. "Yes?" managed Tsukasa as he rubbed the space in between his eyebrows just above the bridge of his nose.
"She's actually a year younger than you. I was wondering if you knew her," said Tsutomu.
"Otousan, I don't remember every single person I went to school with, especially if they were in the class underneath me," said Tsukasa, holding his temper. His father's temper was just as bad as his. Tsutomu had wisdom on his side to build up some tolerance and patience.
"You might remember her. She's quite unforgettable actually. Her name is Ringo Arisu, but I believe it's a stage name, so I'm not sure if you really know her or not," said Tsutomu, filling in the silence.
Tsukasa nearly dropped his cell. "What?" he asked.
"Her name is Ringo Arisu. She's playing Kentaro's daughter in the movie," replied Tsutomu.
So, that's the movie she's shooting in Okinawa. I could hop on the private jet and go there myself. Wait...Otousan's practically on his way. Damn. I can't leave Tokyo. He's coming here. Damn him and his rotten timing. Tsukasa thought furiously. "Yes, I've heard of her," said Tsukasa. She was my girlfriend. My hard won girlfriend. The woman I spent a great deal of time and money pursuing.
"I should be arriving in Tokyo the day after tomorrow," said Tsutomu finally.
"I'll be waiting, Otousan," said Tsukasa, suppressing a sigh. He could swear that fate was against him.
*
The air was stifling around her. She didn't where she was. She was running in the dark. Running. She had to get away. It didn't matter where...just away. Someone grabbed her, clamping a cold hand around her neck. She couldn't breathe.
In the darkness
Lies a shadow
In the darkness
Lies a shadow
The world is slow turning
They don't see me for what am I
I pray for some solace
I pray for the numbness that consumes me to stop
In the darkness
Lies a shadow
In the darkness
Lies a shadow...waiting for me to come undone
I am drowning
I can find no escape
It lingers here
Someone find me
I wait for someone to find me...please come and save me...
Tsukushi's eyes shot wide open as she sat up with her breathing erratic. It was a nightmare. She was now having nightmares. She had drawn all the curtains. All of them in an effort to keep any eyes from looking in. She huddled into a fetal position, clutching her knees to her chest.
Never in her life did Tsukushi feel any fear. Not fear like this. There was someone who knew what she was doing at all times. Someone who was now tampering with her sanity. He wanted to win. Tsukushi shook herself away at that thought.
I'll be damn if I let him win. "I am not afraid of you," she whispered out loud.
*
"But, I think you are," he said in his hiding place. He was looking at her. She was most perfect when she was asleep. Of course, she was perfect when she was awake as well.
He spent hours on end waiting and watching her. He touched the screen with his fingertips. He doubted that she figured out how he was watching her. He knew that she wouldn't call the police. She didn't trust anyone.
In the end, he was going to make sure that the only person she was going to trust was him.
He knew everything about her. With that knowledge, he made his plans. His plan was to break her and then rebuild her again. Only then, would she be his.
*
Tsukasa wasn't in a good mood in the morning. Most mornings, he wasn't in a good mood. However, today was an exception. His father was coming. He couldn't stop him from coming. Tsukasa wanted to hop on a plane and go to Okinawa. He went down for breakfast to find his sister had returned.
"What are you doing here?" demanded Tsukasa when he saw her.
"Excuse me, but Otousan said that I could come. That we could come," said Tsubaki as she gestured at her husband who was holding Reiko.
"Good morning, Tsukasa-san," greeted Tsubaki's husband, Akihito. Reiko greeted her uncle with a smile, which turned into a pout when she saw the scowl on his face.
"Tsukasa, the least you can do is give your baby niece a smile," said Tsubaki.
Tsukasa turned on his heel and walked out of the room. "I'm going to my study. I have work to do," he said as he left.
"Oh no, you don't. You're going to have breakfast with us," insisted Tsubaki.
Aki thought it was best to say nothing, even Reiko kept quiet. She looked at her father, wondering what was wrong with her mother and uncle. Aki had no idea what it was like to have a younger sibling; he was an only child. He didn't know what to make of Tsukasa when he first met him.
"I think we should go, Reiko-chan. What do you think?" Aki asked his daughter, ignoring the fight that Tsubaki and Tsukasa were getting in. Reiko gave her father an impish smile. "Okay, let's go."
"What's wrong with you?" demanded Tsubaki.
"What are you really doing here? Why are they with you?" demanded Tsukasa back.
"Because I wanted to have my whole family together just once. It's almost the holidays. We've never done that. Of course, we all won't be together. Okaasan isn't coming, but it's better that way," said Tsubaki. "Don't tell me you were playing on escaping to Canada like you do every year."
"I wasn't planning on doing that this year. I have things to do. How am I suppose do work with him breathing down my neck?" asked Tsukasa.
Tsubaki blinked at him in this belief. "I don't believe. You've become a workaholic," she concluded.
"No, I haven't. I just would rather have none of you around," said Tsukasa.
"Ah...by the way, have you spoken to Tsukushi-chan?" asked Tsubaki.
"No," muttered Tsukasa. "She's in Okinawa."
"Really? Otousan is in Okinawa right now," said Tsubaki thoughtfully.
"Yes, I know. He met her yesterday," admitted Tsukasa. He could swear that his father was charmed by Tsukushi. Of course, everyone thought that Tsukushi was great. He was surprised that Tsukushi didn't give any real indication of knowing him. That hurt his ego.
"Oh, I see. What did he think of her?" asked Tsubaki. Her eyes were lit up with anticipation at his answer.
"He thinks highly of her," replied Tsukasa.
"Ah!" exclaimed Tsubaki happily. "Who cares what Okaasan thinks? Otousan's word is law, so it doesn't matter what she says. But...you did mess up the last few times you've seen her, so you're going to have to shape up."
"I don't need any help from you," spat Tsukasa angrily.
"Fine," said Tsubaki.
That bothered Tsukasa. The way she folded was too easy. "What are you going to do?" he asked suspiciously.
"I think that neither of you bothered to tell Otousan the whole story," replied Tsubaki as she turned to leave. "I'm going to have breakfast now."
"Wait! Come back here!" shouted Tsukasa as he went after her.
*
Tsukushi arrived several hours later at the studio. For the past few weeks, it was becoming more and more evident that she was underneath a lot of pressure. She was messing up more frequently and forgetting lines. She wasn't herself. Most of the actors and crew were concerned. The bodyguards were poised to handle anything that was wrong. Dominic was reporting to Sammi regularly, but Tsukushi wasn't doing or saying anything about the stalker.
She arrived at the set to find that they had a guest. It was Doumyouji Tsutomu. "Good morning," greeted Yazagawa. Tsukushi was mildly stunned at Tsutomu's presence. It gave her mixed feelings. His presence reminded her of Tsukasa's, but at the same time she felt a some safety.
"Good morning, Ringo-san," he greeted with a gentle smile.
"So, you're visiting the set today?" asked Tsukushi, but she regretted stating the obvious right away. She half expected him to say that it was stupid for her to state the obvious.
"I've always wanted to see why actors were paid so much for the work they do," replied Tsutomu with a smile. His comment made Tsukushi think of what Tsukasa said about her work being just like prostitution. She could feel her temper rise at the thought. She decided it was best to put some distance away from Tsutomu.
"We're shooting a big musical sequence today," said the director as he summoned all the actors and crew to him.
"This is a very long scene to shoot. I hope Alex-san and Arisu-chan are up for it," he added.
"That sounds like a challenge," said Alex with a smirk. "I'm sure we can handle it, right Alice?"
"Are you kidding?" joked Tsukushi back with a smile.
"Okay, let's get started," said the director. "Take your marks. Lights. Cameras. Action!"
In the corner, just behind some of drapes, there was someone else with his camera rolling.
*
Tsukasa went through the rest of his day, carrying his foul mood with him. He wasn't happy with what his sister was coming up with. Knowing her, it was something that was going to horribly embarrass him in front of their father. He also wondered what Tsukushi was up to in Okinawa.
The only thing that rested well with Tsukasa was the fact that his father didn't take an instant dislike to Tsukushi like his mother. Tsubaki was right: their father out ranked their mother. That worked to Tsukasa's advantage.
He was at his office when his cell went off again. He picked it up. "What?"
"Tsukasa, I was wondering if you could meet us for lunch today," said Akira on the other end of the line.
"Fine," agreed Tsukasa. The F4 met regularly. Even Rui never skipped the meetings they had. It was a way of catching up and keeping up with each other. During the past couple of weeks, Tsukasa hadn't seen his friends much.
"We'll see you at the usual place," said Akira, referring to the private club they met regularly for their meetings, "Later."
"Later," said Tsukasa as he hung up the cell. He went to look out his window. The business was running smoothly today. He was doing very well for himself, but why wasn't he just satisfied with that? Maybe, it was because he was conscious of the fact that none of it was really his choice. It came down to him doing things automatically and just going through the motions.
The only time he felt something was when things like people losing their livelihoods came into play. That was the only time where he was concerned about doing the right thing instead of the easy thing. He was a better person for knowing Tsukushi. He had to prove it to her.
He spent the rest of his time struggling to keep his attention on his task. He had to finish his work before he could go off to meet his friends. When he was done, he called up a limo to pick him up. The limo arrived at the club with little trouble because there wasn't as much traffic as usual.
Tsukasa wasn't surprised to find that everyone else had arrived before him. "Hey, Tsukasa, what's up?" asked Akira as he took a seat.
"Nothing much," replied Tsukasa.
"Actually, according to the news, your father is due to return to Tokyo," said Soujirou.
"Apparently," said Tsukasa.
"You don't supposed he's up to something," said Rui quietly.
"I have no idea. I barely know him," muttered Tsukasa.
"By the way, the shoot in Okinawa is almost done. Makino should be back before Christmas, but there's chance she might go back to England during the holidays," said Soujirou.
"Where did you find that out?" asked Rui quietly.
"Entertainment news. The movie she's shooting is in conjunction with an American company. It takes place post World War II. That's why they're shooting around the site of the old American military base," said Soujirou.
"I just thought of something," said Akira musingly, not quite sure how to phrase his comment. "But, I think I should say it. Makino's an actress. She's played a lot of different roles, but for the most part romantic leading ladies."
"What do mean?" demanded Tsukasa.
"I mean she's probably had to kiss a lot of guys for each role that she plays," replied Akira.
"WHAT?!" exclaimed Tsukasa angrily.
"Hey, Tsukasa. Cool it!" said Soujirou. "What's wrong with you, Akira? Do you have a death wish?"
"It's part of her job, Tsukasa. We do things for our jobs that we may not even feel like doing," said Rui. "But that's besides the point."
"You think there's something wrong, don't you?" asked Akira.
"I think there is, but I'm not sure what it is. She seems on alert. She's always looking over her shoulder as if she knows that someone is looking over her," answered Rui, recalling the day he had spent with her. She had purposely picked out places where she could keep her eyes open. She seemed to flinch from time to time, but she hid it well. At first, Rui suspected that she was concerned about Tsukasa, but he soon realized that was not the reason why.
"I don't know what's going on with her," said Soujirou. "All I know is that the Makinos have gotten bolder over the years. Her brother used to be so nice all the time. Either that or my brother just really knows how to get on his nerves."
"He's gotten stronger. He's able to stand up for himself and the rest of his family now," said Rui quietly; he had breathed a word about what had happened between Tsukasa and Susumu.
Tsukasa mind was working on something else. What was Tsukushi really up to? He'd have to ask her. He was starting to hate her job more and more.
*
"Cut, print! That's a wrap! Good job, people," said the director brightly. The musical sequence went great. There came applause at the end. Alex and Tsukushi bowed together. Tsukushi was smiling brightly. On the set, she could forget about her troubles. She looked around for her bodyguards and found that Dominic had disappeared.
"What's wrong?" whispered Alex into her ear. They had become friends during the shoot, so she knew that his concern for her was genuine.
"Everything's fine," lied Tsukushi as she walked off.
Suddenly, there came the sound of a crash. Tsukushi turned around just as two of her guards ran towards her to cover her. She saw Dominic struggling with someone. It was a teenage boy who was younger than Susumu. The director walked up and security from the set started approaching Dominic as he kept a hold on the boy.
The boy was dressed in jeans, a hooded sweater, sneakers, and a baseball cap. He had a digital video camera in his hand. "Let me go!" he exclaimed as he threw his head back. His cap came off.
"What are you doing here?" demanded Dominic in English.
"I don't understand you!" exclaimed the boy in Japanese.
"Let me through," said Tsukushi in a firm voice. Her guards looked at each other, silently communicating to each other. "Let me through!" she repeated in a louder voice. The guards looked at Dominic who gave a short hold. "He's got no weapons on him."
"What is your name?" she asked in Japanese.
The boy looked at her with wide, shining eyes. His face turned into a bright red tomato as he answered, "My name is Tanaka Makoto."
"What are you doing here? This is a closed set," said Tsukushi.
"I came here to video tape. I have a website. It's a fan site," he admitted.
"I see."
"I'm one of your biggest fans!" he exclaimed.
"Let him go," Tsukushi ordered Dominic. He reluctantly released Makoto.
"This is a closed set. I need to have that video tape. Otherwise, you will be turned over to the police," said the director.
"Wait," said Tsukushi. "Okay, there's no need to have him arrested."
"But, Ringo-san, he has video footage," said the director.
"I know, but think he will give me the video tape willingly. Right, Makoto-kun?" said Tsukushi as she looked straight into Makoto's eyes.
"I--" started Makoto.
"I will give you something in exchange," said Tsukushi. "But, I need you to hand me the video tape now. And any other footage that you may have."
"This is the only footage I have," admitted Makoto. "Um...could you pose for a picture with me for my website and can I have an autograph."
"Sure, but I need the video tape. Now," said Tsukushi as she held out her hand. "Please."
Everyone was watching the scene intently. No one would have been as patient as Tsukushi. He handed her the camera. "It's a digital, so everything was recorded on it. I have to hook it up to my computer. Just press the erase button," he told her.
"Thank you very much, Makoto-kun," said Tsukushi as she pressed the buttons on the video camera. "Here you go. Let me change and I'll come back."
She turned around and walked up to the director. "I'll keep my word, so don't throw him off the set. He's just a kid. He's harmless," she said.
The director nodded. She walked to her dressing room and changed her clothes and took her make up off. She went back to find Makoto talking to the other actors. She was smiling brightly. "You're as kind as the people who have met you have said," said Makoto.
"Thanks," said Tsukushi. "Let's do this, so I can get going for the day."
Tsukushi posed for two shots with Makoto and signed him an autograph before he was escorted off the set by security. Tsukushi realized that her bag back at her dressing room. She was stopped by a man with a delivery of roses. "Are you Ringo Arisu?" asked the delivery man.
"Yes," answered Tsukushi. It wasn't unusual for flowers to be delivered to her. There were usually bouquets waiting her in her dressing room.
"Please sign here," said the delivery man. She signed and took the rose inside. There were lots of other flowers in there. It took her a while to get used to all the attention, not to mention the strength of the scent. Dominic usually took off all the cards and put them on the table. She saw that there was a card on the roses she was holding.
She set the vase on the table before taking the card. She opened and read the note:
I will take you apart. Piece by piece.
Tsukushi gasped. At that moment the door opened behind her, causing her seize up.
"Is there anything the matter?" asked Dominic as he looked at her intently. He noticed that her eyes were wide.
"No. You just surprised me. That's all. There's nothing the matter. Nothing at all," said Tsukushi very quickly.
"It's time to go," said Dominic.
"Yes. Just let me find my bag," said Tsukushi as she found it on the table behind another vase. "Found it."
Dominic nodded and walked out ahead of her. Tsukushi looked at the card in her hand. She tore it up and tossed into the wastebasket and walked out of her dressing room after turning off the lights behind her.
AN: Yes, there will be people dying soon. I'm not saying who exactly. Let me put it this way: the stalker will get Tsukushi where it will hurt the most. Tsukushi isn't taking the threat very seriously at all. She realizes that is her fatal mistake.
To tell you the truth, I'm not absolutely sure what the pairing is for this story. There are arguments for most of the guys that I have put Tsukushi with. Mostly for Tsukasa or Rui. Both will play more important roles later. There are a few guesses as to who the stalker is. If you have any theories, post it in my journal. ^_^ ayane.blurty.com
Disclaimer: I don't own Hana Yori Dango.